RESEARCH ON A GRAVITY-INDEPENDENT WATERELECTROLYSIS CELL WITH A PALLADIUM-SILVER ALLOY CATHODE.

Abstract

The experimental investigation has demonstrated that a static water electrolysis cell with a palladium-silver alloy hydrogen-diffusion cathode is technically feasible. The best result was obtained with an experimental cell constructed with a 1/4-inch-diameter palladium-silver alloy tube of 5-mil wall thickness (0.5-inch effective length), a matrix of Teflon threads and calcium hydroxide impregnated with an electrolyte of 50 weight percent sodium hydroxide, and a platinum screen anode. The cell was operated satisfactorily independently of gravity for a minimum of 24 continuous hours with 97-100 percent hydrogen transmission at 75 amp/sq ft and 2.0 volts at 145C with water supplied as vapor (1 atmosphere partial pressure). Preliminary design estimates for a cell to supply breathing oxygen for 3 men (6 pounds O2 per day) indicate a very small cell (25 pounds, 0.2 cu ft) with low power consumption (760 watts). (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1964
Accession Number
AD0603358

Entities

People

  • Charles L. Faust
  • Edwin S. Kolic
  • John E. Clifford

Organizations

  • Battelle Memorial Institute

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Alloys
  • Calcium Hydroxide
  • Energy Consumption
  • Hydrogen
  • Hydrogen Compounds
  • Hydroxides
  • Palladium
  • Partial Pressure
  • Silver Alloys
  • Sodium Hydroxide

Fields of Study

  • Materials science

Readers

  • Electrical Engineering
  • Electrochemical Engineering/ Fuel Cell Technologies
  • Metallurgy